The Victims’ Commissioner has undertaken significant work in this area, focussed around improving the service a victim receives and their journey through the criminal justice process, working with partners to address any issues identified. Specific work has focussed on a review of compliance with the Victims Code of Practice, which was completed and launched at the Victims’ Summit in March 2019. The Victims’ Commissioner is leading on driving forward the recommendations in this review with partners via the Victims Board, through a joint work plan.

The Victims’ Commissioner led on the London Rape Review, published in July 2019. The findings highlighted the worsening trend regarding the number of allegations that reach trial, and the incredibly low conviction rate. The review has developed recommendations and in addition a detailed plan of further research and work to be taken forward with partners.

The London Rape Review identified bail as a key area of risk for survivors of domestic abuse and the Victims’ Commissioner called on government to review bail. This review is now taking place and the Victims’ Commissioner will feed insight from the Rape Review into the government consultation.

The Victims’ Commissioner continues to lobby government around the forthcoming Domestic Abuse Bill and undertakes ongoing engagement and liaison with a wide range of partners, as well as victims and survivors, to identify and address issues that impact victims.